Trial Court Administrators are hired by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge. This is a state-funded position established to improve the administration of justice through professional management. Twelve districts have trial court administrators who are responsible for carrying out the policies of the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge and Chief District Court Judge as well as providing general management for the operations of the court system in their districts.

The Trial Court Administrator's main function is civil case management, to assure that civil cases move through the court system as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. They keep track of civil cases filed in both superior and district courts, determine when cases are ready for trial and assist the judges in preparing the calendar for terms of civil court.

Office of Trial Court Administration & Judicial Support Staff

The "Executive Component" of the trial court is comprised of the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, Chief District Court Judge, and Trial Court Administrator. The role of the Trial Court Administration Office is to assist in the management of the day-to-day operations of the trial courts. In Durham, this includes:

District civil case management and administration of arbitration program

Coordination of foreign language and deaf interpreting services for the Court

Court reporting and recording coverage

Courthouse facilities issues:

Americans with Disabilities Act contact

Assignment of courtrooms

Assessment of space needs

Court facility planning

Review of court security

Judiciary's liaison with county and state agencies

Media contact

Development and presentation of county budget

Publish periodic reports on court operations for court and public

Prepare grant proposals, and administer grants to support innovative approaches and services

This office also works with other court officials as a facilitator for change by initiating and coordinating discussions and by identifying problems and recommending solutions to improve the court system.